Baby Furniture - Safety Above All Else

It's an exciting feeling knowing your baby is about to enter the world. You've picked the baby's name, stocked up on diapers and infant formula, and have a wardrobe full of baby clothes waiting. Now how about the nursery-is it ready?

No worries. If you're wondering what baby furniture you should purchase, this simple guide will point you in the right direction.Baby SafetySome statistics report that 20 percent of injuries to babies are related to baby furniture accidents. That's a startling figure and means the first question when considering a piece of baby furniture should be "Is this safe for my baby?" and probably not "Does this match the lilac walls?"

Here are few safety guidelines to keep in mind:

Ensure the baby furniture complies with your country's safety standard requirements. In the United Sates check with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Fill out the warranty card so the manufacturing company can contact you in the event there is a product safety recall.

Look for possible entrapment hazards in baby furniture. Be cautious of gaps that can pinch your baby's finger, toes and limbs, or anything that could trap or entangle the baby's head causing asphyxiation.

Baby furniture should be sturdy and locking mechanisms should lock securely.

Cribs and CradlesCribs are available with many different options. There are drop-side cribs which allow one side to be lowered or raised so you can place your baby in with ease. Cribs are also available with an adjustable mattress height. Your newborn would be placed at the highest mattress level, which would then be lowered as the child grows.Regarding safety, if you purchase a crib with castors, choose one that has at least two wheels with lockable brakes. Keep these brakes on until you wish to move the crib. Also ensure the mattress fits snugly within the sides of the crib.

Cradles can gently rock your baby to sleep. They are fine for babies up to six months, around the time they can sit up, kneel or pull themselves up. Ensure your cradle has a locking mechanism so it does not rock when you are not present. Also, the cradle should have a tilt limit of no more than 10 degrees.

Changing Tables and DressersChanging tables are great for changing your baby's diaper and clothes. Some changing tables include storage space for diapers, wipes and all those other changing essentials. For safety, choose a changing table with guard rails to protect your child from rolling off.

The tops of dressers are often used as changing areas for infants. If you decide to take this route, place a changing pad on the dresser that has a safety harness to keep your child strapped in.

High Chair and Baby BouncersIf your child can sit up on his/her own, you can use a high chair when feeding. The safest high chairs have a crotch strap, shoulder straps and a waist belt. For storing convenience, there are foldable high chairs available. Ensure the locking mechanism on these foldable chairs lock securely. It's important that when feeding your child, the chair is placed away from walls, furniture or other vertical surfaces so the child can't push off and topple with the chair.

Baby bouncers are also used for feeding babies. They should be used for babies that can't yet sit on their own. Additionally, the bouncy seat allows baby to entertain themselves and develop their physical abilities. Baby bouncers should have secure crotch and waist straps for your child. Remember not to place them on top of tables or other high surfaces where they can accidentally be pushed off.

Part of being an educated parent is being an educated consumer. Safety features are an importance consideration when purchasing baby furniture for your child's nursery. Knowing how to choose safe baby furniture and how to keep your child safe in its use enables you to be the best parents to your infant.